The final whistle blew and Wellington erupted into scenes of jubilation. Bay of Plenty were commendable in defeat, having pushed the game to the wire and showcasing the heart and skill that brought them to the final. But it was Wellington who emerged victorious, their composure and clinical finishing ultimately securing them the title of 2024 Bunnings NPC Champions. That wraps things up in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe.

Wellington’s grit and resilience in the closing stages proved the difference as they held off Bay of Plenty’s final surges to emerge as the 2024 Bunnings NPC Champions. Riley Higgins and Julian Savea were outstanding throughout, creating and finishing opportunities for the Lions, while Bay of Plenty’s Emoni Narawa and Kaleb Trask were equally impressive in a valiant losing effort. It was a fitting conclusion to a gripping season, with Wellington celebrating their hard-earned victory in front of an elated home crowd.

In the second half of extra time, Wellington finally found their chance to go ahead. Replacement first five-eighth Callum Harkin delivered a crucial penalty goal in the 93rd minute, putting the Lions three points ahead and piling the pressure on Bay of Plenty. Despite a spirited effort from the Steamers, who continued to push for a try, Wellington’s defence proved impenetrable, as Du’Plessis Kirifi and Brad Shields led from the front with tireless work at the breakdown.

With the scoreboard locked at 20-all at the end of normal time, extra time was needed to decide the champion. Both teams faced a physical and mental battle in the additional two 10-minute halves. Wellington’s defence held firm in the first half of extra time, matching Bay of Plenty’s intensity but unable to break the deadlock. Bay of Plenty’s forward pack continued to push hard, with Nikora Broughton and Joe Johnston relentless in their efforts to gain ground, while Wellington relied on solid tackling and discipline to keep them at bay.

The second half saw Bay of Plenty claw their way back into contention, starting with two penalty goals from Kaleb Trask, narrowing Wellington’s lead. A relentless push from Bay of Plenty finally paid off in the 58th minute when Emoni Narawa caught the Lions' defence napping, diving over near the posts to take the lead for the Steamers. Wellington, refusing to let the game slip away, surged forward in the closing stages, and it was Losi Filipo who found his way to the try line in the 73rd minute after a sharp offload from Peter Umaga-Jensen, levelling the score once again.

The first half was full of intensity and drama. Wellington started strongly, with Brad Shields making an early break that set up Julian Savea’s powerful finish in the corner in the 4th minute. Bay of Plenty responded through Aidan Ross, who crossed the line in the 18th minute after a TMO review confirmed downward pressure, levelling the score briefly. Wellington regained the lead with a Jackson Garden-Bachop penalty in the 27th minute and then extended it with another classic try from Savea, who burst through multiple defenders to touch down in the 33rd minute, giving the Lions an 8-point advantage heading into half time.

In a thrilling 2024 Bunnings NPC final at Sky Stadium, Wellington edge out Bay of Plenty by three points in extra time, clinching the title after an epic showdown. Leading by eight points at half time, the Lions looked on track but had to fend off a fierce Bay of Plenty comeback, resulting in a deadlock at the end of normal time. Both teams threw everything they had at each other, with Wellington finally nudging ahead in the second half of extra time to claim the championship in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

The scrum is a steady one for the Lions and the ball is banged into touch, bringing to an end an all-time classic final! Wellington win it!

Muriwai feeds to the scrum on halfway, where Wellington get the roll on and Bay of Plenty collapse, conceding the penalty. Kirifi calls for another scrum to eat up some more time as the clock winds down.